Health officials are reporting a surge in “winter vomiting disease” with norovirus cases spiking across the U.S. since mid-October.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Wastewater Surveillance System, which monitors infectious diseases through more than 1,000 wastewater sampling sites across the country, there have been significant norovirus outbreaks in Indiana, Louisiana, and Michigan, with Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas flagged for pockets of heavier concentration.
The virus, sometimes called “the stomach flu” or “a stomach bug,” causes acute gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach or intestines. It typically peaks from December to April, so this surge, which started in October, is considered ahead of schedule.
Of particular concern is GII.17, a variant of norovirus, which saw a large uptick last year and is responsible for about 75% of outbreaks.
“You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types,” the CDC said in a press release. “It is possible to develop protection against specific types. But it is not known exactly how long protection lasts. This may explain why so many people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks.”
The CDC noted that norovirus spreads through direct contact with someone who has it, including sharing food or utensils with them or eating food that’s handled by them. Food and drinks can be contaminated with norovirus, and you can also get it by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.
You can spread norovirus for two weeks or more after you feel better.
Symptoms of norovirus typically develop 12-48 hours after exposure. The most common symptoms are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
The biggest concern with norovirus is dehydration from loss of body fluids through diarrhea and vomiting. This can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults and people with other illnesses.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Crying with few or no tears
- Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
To protect yourself against norovirus, the CDC recommends:
- Wash your hands well and often.
- Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces
- Wash laundry in hot water
- If you’re sick, stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop